For immediate release
Fort Frances, ON / International Falls, MN - Today Borderland Pride revealed the official event schedule for the second installment of the region’s annual LGBTQ2 Pride festival.
This year’s program has been branded PRIDE WEEK+, as a nod to inclusion and in recognition of the added events for the 2019 celebration. The festival will span more than a week in length, featuring over 17 events spanning 17 days and 3 communities. This year's events are presented in collaboration with more than a dozen local event partners.
The ‘official’ week of Pride is June 2 to 9, with affiliated events beginning on May 24. The month of June is recognized internationally as Pride Month.
Highlights of PRIDE WEEK+ include:
Free public concerts at the Rainy Lake Square on Thursday, June 6 and Saturday, June 8 with performances by Rae Spoon and Winnipeg’s Warming;
A repeat of the popular ‘Passport to Pride’ March on Saturday, June 8 – the world’s only Pride march to cross an international border;
Rainy River’s first-ever Pride event, which will include a 'mini-march' on Saturday, May 25 followed by a bike rodeo and health fair;
Special events incorporating two-spirit teachings and area Indigenous communities;
A drag show on Friday, June 7 and a special drag brunch on Sunday, June 9;
Opportunities for artistic expression and crafts;
A free screening of the National Film Board film Love, Scott; and
A special church service, celebrating Pride, diversity, and inclusion in our community.
In addition:
The Borderland ‘Pride Mart’ will once again be open at Curvy Chick in Fort Frances, where starting next week area residents can purchase Pride T-shirts, rainbow flags, and other swag items.
Local businesses and organizations have been invited to decorate their storefronts in celebration of Pride from June 2 to 9.
Borderland Pride is in search of the region’s “gayest house”, and will be holding a special home or yard décor competition with a fabulous prize for the winner!
All Borderland area municipalities and First Nations have been asked to proclaim June 2 to 9 as Pride Week and to fly or display a rainbow flag for these dates.
The full roster of activities for PRIDE WEEK+ is available at www.borderlandpride.org/events and at www.facebook.com/BorderlandPride. The 2019 Pride Guide is also available online and will be distributed locally in the coming week.
Pride is powered by public participation. PRIDE WEEK+ is made possible through the generous financial, in-kind, logistical, and organizational support of numerous sponsoring businesses, organizations, and individuals.
Borderland Pride is the LGBTQ2 Pride organization for the Rainy River District in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, Koochiching County in International Falls, Minnesota, and the southern part of Treaty 3 territory.
###
Contact: Douglas W. Judson Co-Chair Email: borderlandpride@gmail.com
Resources: Event Schedule